Tshepiso Mollo

For Tshepiso Mollo, 33, the journey from a girl in Spruitview with dreams of building, to becoming a leader in South Africa’s engineering sector, is one of resilience, purpose and growth. As technical manager and resident engineer for Fischer Fixing Solutions at Upat South Africa, Tshepiso plays a role in anchoring safety and efficiency in the construction sector. From designing technical solutions and on-site testing to training engineers and advising on best practices, her work ensures infrastructure projects are built to last.  Tshepiso serves on South African Road Federation committees, leads Women in Transport webinars and inspires students at Wits Industry Talks and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) career days. Currently completing a PhD  in civil engineering and an executive MBA, Tshepiso is also researching anchoring performance in tropical rock formations, work that is opening doors in the mining and infrastructure space. Tshepiso also mentors young engineers, supports students financially and develops graduate programmes that create opportunities. A future foundation supporting girls in STEM is firmly on her horizon.

• PhD in Civil Engineering Candidate, University of Johannesburg
• Executive MBA Candidate, Quantic School of Business and Technology
• MEng in Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg
• BEng in Civil Engineering, University of Johannesburg

• Appointed Technical Manager for fischer fixing systems at Upat South Africa, supporting engineers and clients nationwide with anchor design, testing and technical training, contributing to the safe delivery of construction projects.
• Facilitated first industry webinar – Women in Transport – leading a conversation with influential women shaping the sector and encouraging greater visibility and boldness in professional spaces.
• Active member of SARF, serving on the Northern Region and the Stakeholder and Communications committees, contributing to industry discussions, technical sessions, student engagements and community outreach to promote safety, standards and regulated practices.
• Guest speaker at the Wits Industry Talk, engaging with engineering students on career realities and inspiring the next generation.
• Led a STEM career day, connecting learners with professionals to broaden awareness of career possibilities beyond the classroom.
• Commenced PhD research on chemical anchor performance in tropical rock formations under various loading conditions, opening opportunities in the mining sector and advancing infrastructure design and safety conversations.
• Invited to study for an Executive MBA at Quantic School of Business and Technology, affirming capability in both technical expertise and global business leadership.

I really look up to my mother. She is one of the strongest women I know and has done her absolute best to raise us well, even when circumstances were tough. Her heart, resilience and quiet strength have shaped so much of who I am. She grounds me in ways I do not always realise until I find myself in moments where I need to remember who I am and where I come from. I am always grateful for how she reminds me to stay humble, to stay kind and to never forget my purpose. In terms of career, a role model who has had a big impact on me is Dr Judy Dlamini. Her journey, both in business and academia, has inspired me deeply. She represents everything I aspire to be — a woman of substance, influence and impact. Her story taught me that it is possible to rise, to lead and to break barriers while still staying true to yourself. She reminded me that there is no timeline to greatness, and that your journey is valid even when it does not follow a straight path. Both of these women have influenced my path in different but powerful ways. One reminds me of where I come from; the other reminds me of where I am going.